Northern Ireland Teachers Weigh 4% Pay Offer
Overview of the Pay Offer
Teachers in Northern Ireland are currently evaluating a proposed 4% pay increase for the 2025/26 academic year. This offer, made by management, includes a 4% consolidated increase to all teacher salary scale points and a 4% rise to all allowances, effective from September 1, 2025. The management described this offer as a reflection of their commitment to ensuring fair and competitive remuneration for teachers.
The offer was made under challenging financial circumstances, with the Education Minister, Paul Givan, recently receiving approval from the Stormont Executive to overspend his budget to facilitate the pay negotiations. His department is facing a projected deficit of around £267 million for this financial year.
Response from the Northern Ireland Teachers Council
The Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC), which represents the five main teacher unions, has acknowledged the offer but noted that teachers had hoped for more. They believe this offer is the maximum possible given the current financial constraints.
In a statement, the NITC welcomed the pay offer and emphasized that it will be taken to member unions for consultation. Each union will carefully consider the details and implications of the proposal on behalf of the teachers they represent. Once each union has received a view on the offer, the NITC will formally respond to the management side. Additionally, each union will communicate with its members on how they will consult on the offer.
NASUWT’s Position on the Offer
The National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has recommended its members accept the offer. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT, commended the negotiating team for delivering this offer in what he described as difficult circumstances for the Northern Ireland Executive.
He highlighted that the offer matches the 4% award made to teachers in England for the 2025/26 academic year, keeping teachers’ salaries broadly in line between Northern Ireland and England. Importantly, there are no strings attached to this offer.
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official for Northern Ireland, added that the union welcomes this pay offer, which he described as a significant and hard-won achievement. He noted that this was only possible due to Executive agreement after a Ministerial Direction.
On the basis that there is no prospect of additional funding, the union will recommend that members accept this offer. Crucially, the offer is not conditional, allowing the union to separate the vital issue of pay from their ongoing campaign to tackle excessive teacher workload. The Independent Panel’s report now provides a concrete basis for resolution, and the minister must act decisively on those recommendations.
Key Points of the Offer
- 4% Consolidated Increase: Applies to all teacher salary scale points.
- 4% Rise to Allowances: Effective from September 1, 2025.
- No Strings Attached: The offer is unconditional.
- Alignment with England: Matches the 4% award given to teachers in England for the same academic year.
- Financial Context: Made possible through Executive agreement after a Ministerial Direction.
- Separation of Issues: Allows focus on addressing teacher workload independently.
Next Steps
Following the announcement of the offer, the NITC and member unions will engage in detailed consultations with their members. This process will involve assessing the impact of the offer on teachers and determining the best course of action. The NASUWT has already taken a clear stance, recommending acceptance of the offer due to its alignment with other regions and the absence of conditions.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided to ensure transparency and informed decision-making among teachers and stakeholders.
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